Angel Opens the Prison Door SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:1-19 MEMORY VERSE: For He will give His angels charge concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 CHARACTERS: Peter, 2 soldiers, guards, angel, Mary, John Mark How would you feel if you were thrown in jail? The Bible tells us in Acts 5 that Peter and the other disciples were put in jail for telling people about Jesus about an angel came during the night and opened the doors of the jail and set them free. The angel said, “Go tell the people about Jesus!” The priests would tell the disciples to stop talking about Jesus but they just kept on preaching and healing sick people and doing miracles in Jesus’ name. Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men!” The Bible tells us in Acts 12 about another time that the wicked King Herod arrested Peter and put him in prison for telling people about Jesus. But his friends were praying for him. The night before his trial, Peter was sitting between 2 soldiers. Peter had chains on him and there were guards at the door. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and a bright light shone in the prison cell. The angel hit Peter on the side and told him to get up. “Quick, get up!” the angel said and the chains fell off of Peter! Then the angel said, “Put on your clothes and sandals and follow me.” Of course, Peter obeyed. Peter followed the angel out of the prison but he didn’t believe this was really happening. Peter thought it was all just a dream! They passed by the guards without being seen and then the big gate opened and they walked out into the street. They walked down the street and suddenly the angel left him. That’s when Peter realized this was for real! “Now I know that the Lord sent His angel to rescue me from King Herod!” Peter ran to the house of Mary and John Mark where he knew his friends were praying for him. Peter told them that God had answered their prayers and sent an angel to rescue him from the prison. Then, Peter left for another place to keep on preaching the Good News about Jesus. Angel Opens the Prison Door (cont.) There are many other stories in the Bible about angels. Angels are God’s messengers to tell us what God says and to protect God’s people. The Bible says that God’s angels will watch over those who trust in the Lord. When you know Jesus as your Savior you can know that Jesus will give you eternal life in Heaven with Him someday. Jesus will help you with your problems and help you do what is right. Jesus will send His angels to watch over you so you don’t need to worry or be afraid, so trust in Jesus. Jesus wants to be your Savior and your friend forever!!